You are so right on the money.
As I stated earlier...I just moved TO the Seattle area (Bellevue) from Florida (Tampa/St. Pete). People here complain about Bellevue being bad....but to me its a DREAM compared to Florida. Like you said...I've had a few comments sort of backhandedly imply "what a wimp" I was for not commuting to work when I was in FL. They just don't understand how different it is.
I remember when I first started Bikeforums a few years ago somebody posted an article that had a list of the top 10 worst cities for bicyclists (in terms of accidents/injuries due to automobiles). Tampa/St. Pete was #1 on the list, and I think Florida may have even had another city or two in that top 10 list.
Originally Posted by
iflyka200s
Hi All,
Coconut Grove native (Miami for those that don't live there) Live in Ft. Lauderdale now by Executive Airport and I must say, everyone I speak to in Portland & Seattle calls me a wimp when I tell them how much Flori-duh SUCK till they see my leg. Got hit by the shuttle bus driver at Ft. Lauderdale Intl. Airport.. Busted me up pretty good. I've had bottles thrown at me (never hit thank goodness) and all sorts of crap shouted at me.
Riding here is a sidewalk thing to stay safe but lots of glass on the path, they end without warning and drivers are so cycle unfriendly. I hit Pompano Airport for just riding and no thinking or Key Biscayne. Sigh... Come ON Portland Or. JOB!